Farrell backing for under-fire Betts

Last updated at 09:49 28 April 2005

Under-pressure Wigan coach Denis Betts is the man to restore the Warriors' flagging fortunes, according to departed skipper Andy Farrell.

The once-dominant Warriors have won the title just once in the nine years of Super League and are currently out of the top six after losing six of their opening 11 games of the season. But the coach has been given a vote of confidence by his former team-mate Farrell, who recently switched codes with Saracens.

"Wigan is the best coaching job in the world but it's the worst job at this moment in time. Denis is doing a fantastic job and he's definitely the right man to lead this young squad and make them something special over the next few years," Farrell told Sky Sports' Boots N All programme.

Farrell, who is second in Wigan's all-time list of scorers with 3,135 points from 368 appearances, has not ruled out a return to the 13-man code once his contract with Saracens and the Rugby Football Union expires in 2008.

"I'm going to rugby union for three years and who knows what the future holds?" he said. "I will always be a rugby league fan and I can definitely see myself being involved again."

Farrell insists that money was not a factor behind his decision to switch codes and that he was looking for a new challenge in his life.

"I didn't want to look back on my career and regret anything," he said. "I've been lucky enough to be given this opportunity and I'll give it my best shot. I'm up for the challenge.

"It's nothing to do with money. I like playing other sports and it's an opportunity to go down to London, experience a different way of life and meet new people. It's one big challenge and I'm really looking forward to it."